Burson Family Honored With C.A.S.T. Event
By: Art Pasley
Albert Elgin Burson loved kids, and from the outpour of love and support for his family, I would say they loved him very much as well. June 25, 2005, was a day that not only brought back memories of Mr. Burson, but created a lot of new memories for his family, friends, and the many volunteers and children with disabilities from Abilene. This was the day they gathered for the first C.A.S.T. for Kids event in Abilene, Texas.
For those of you unfamiliar with Texas, Abilene is the Old West. With the growth from industry and the Air Force base, it doesn't look like it did in the days of Billy the Kid, but it is the Old West. Indians roamed the hills from Abilene north to Pampa, into the Texas Pan Handle, and south to Del Rio, and the Mexican boarder. Stories turned into legends about battles that took place in Aspermont, just north of Abilene. If you like history, you'd love Abilene.
As the sun rose on Lake Fort Phantom, so did the anticipation and excitement level from the many volunteers, as they poured into the parking area and boat ramps. Boaters began to line up along the entrance until there were so many, you couldn't see the end of the line. Three rows deep, they began organizing everything in their boats and preparing for a day of fishing with the kids. An army of volunteers began setting up tables and chairs and preparing food and registration areas. It was like nothing I have ever seen.
Now I know you're saying, 'we all do that'. Yes you do, but in any first time event, there are a lot of unknowns. Having never done an event like this, you have no idea what to expect and I would have thought this event would be the same, especially when you only have a few of your best friends on your planning committee. WRONG. A small team of ladies from Abilene, all life long friends of event host, Julie Bell, worked tirelessly for months going over every detail of our planning manual. They not only followed its instructions word for word, they even taught me a couple of new ideas.
By the time the kids began to arrive everything was ready to go. Each participant received a hat & t-shirt, a rod and reel, tackle box and best wishes for a fun day of fishing from members of the Burson Family and the planning team. "This is wonderful", stated Mrs. Burson. "Albert is looking down with a big smile wishing he could be here with us and taking one of these children fishing" she concluded.
Once the participants and boaters were paired and launched, they headed for what was for many of the kids, the first time they had ever been fishing and for many, the first time they had ever been in a boat. After everyone was gone, the team began preparations for their return and what a return it was!
As each boat filled with smiles and stories about fish, fun and boat rides returned to the launch area, they were treated like the nation's top anglers. Drive through drop offs delivered each participant to the awards area. Smiles and pictures of fish and partners, and lots of food and drinks awaited the kids and as they enjoyed a K-9 show presented by the Abilene Police Department. The awards were prepared and guest speakers congratulated everyone in attendance.
Buddie Ball, event sponsor and president of the Outreach Healthcare Services, thanked everyone for their effort to provide the event for the kids from Abilene. "This is a wonderful event for the kids" stated Mr. Ball "and we look forward to doing this again next year" he concluded.
Ms. Bell and her staff began to call up the boaters and participants for the awards ceremony and after the Worlds Largest Group Picture was taken, it was over. One of the boaters came to me and said "I will be back next year. In fact I'll be back for as many years as you are willing to do this. Our kids need this and I want to be a part of it" he concluded.
A C.A.S.T. event is not just fishing. It's "Special People" coming together and working together to provide hope and a day of fun and fishing to children in need. It fills the hearts of the volunteers, and a need in the spirit of the kids. Special People, Special Kids, Special Thrills. Thanks Abilene. You truly are Special People, helping Special Children, Catch A Special Thrill!
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